For some people, they are cute animals, but for others, they are really annoying: raccoons also spread Saxony quickly. Even if there are no exact numbers, the hunting routes prove it. In the hunting year 1992/1993 (1 April to 31 March of the following year) raccoons were shot in the Saxon forests for the first time – three specimens. Ten years later, the number was 80, and in the 2024/2025 hunting year there were almost 27,000, as announced by the state hunting association.
Where do raccoons come from?
Raccoons are native to North America and are an invasive animal species in Europe; it does not fall within this latitude. In the 20th century, raccoons were imported to Europe for fur production. They found their way into nature through release into the wild and escape from farms. This happened in Hesse in 1934 and escaped in 1945 Animal from a farm near Berlin. So the problem is man-made. Raccoons are not vicious animals, said René Sievert, deputy chairman of the German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu) in Saxony. Humans themselves are responsible for the negative impacts.
“Human cruelty to the welfare of local animals and fauna is one of the causes of the current situation and its negative impact on the ecosystem,” stressed Sievert. There are two more: poor local natural conditions and human negligence. Intact and resilient ecosystems can react more strongly to invasive species. In addition, raccoon access to food sources such as food scraps or animal feed becomes too easy. Sometimes they are even fed because of their love of misunderstood animals. They will find ideal living conditions in the settlement.
What makes raccoons different?
Raccoons are considered highly adaptable, skilled, and intelligent omnivores. That’s why it can access almost any food source. «Animals are creative, work together in family groups, are patient and capable of learning. That’s why they can often easily overcome too simple obstacles,” reports Sievert. Therefore, his association resorted to building and hanging “raccoon-proof” bird nest boxes. This also applies to other nature conservation measures. Some species protection projects are now difficult to implement because of the presence of raccoons.
What damage do raccoons cause?
The Nature Conservation Association notes that raccoons plunder bird nests during the breeding season, eat migrating amphibians during the nesting season, and occupy caves that are no longer accessible to native species such as the tawny owl. The roosting places of bats, squirrels, and many other animals can also be a source of food for raccoons. At the local level, their presence can cause declines in bird and amphibian populations, which were previously often supported by painstaking conservation efforts.
The State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology said there are problems facing homeowners and farmers – especially when agricultural companies grow specialty crops such as fruit or grapes. “Economic damage can occur here as animals eat fruit and damage crops.” Little bears will come into the house to find a place to sleep and throw away rubbish. “They look for uncovered roof holes or gaps in the roof covering. They enlarge the hole with their front legs until it is suitable as an entrance. Water can penetrate the building and cause serious damage.
How can you take action against raccoons?
Raccoons are subject to hunting laws and are hunted. However, the animals should only be killed by people who have the necessary skills, as explained by the state office. This refers to veterinarians and hunters. According to Nabu, sometimes young animals and others are found in need of help. However, the EU directive on dealing with invasive species prohibits taking, keeping, transporting, breeding or releasing raccoons. In principle, Nabu does not assume that raccoons can be eradicated from nature.
What protection is possible on the building?
According to the state office, it is important to close any possible entrances into the house. Repelling animals through noise, light, and scaring them with human hair and toilet stones usually doesn’t work. It says that food scraps should never end up in the compost. Cover trash cans and wear elastics, do not leave cat and dog food outside – this is another piece of advice. Since raccoons are good climbers, drains should be covered with metal sheets and cat flaps and roof holes should be tightly closed at night.
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